Gold Coast Attractions
Boasting gorgeous weather, thrilling attractions and activities, the Gold Coast is your one-stop destination for family holiday fun. From theme parks to wildlife sanctuaries, these are the top attractions on the Gold Coast.
Cavill Avenue
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Cavill Avenue begins at Surfers Boulevard and stretches all the way through the must-see Cavill Mall to the Esplanade. Here you'll find a vast range of bars, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, currency exchange, clothing retailers, specialty stores and more. Cavill Avenue is the tourist hub of Surfers Paradise and is also home to popular attractions the Hard Rock Café and Ripley's Believe it or Not.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Home of the world's largest collection of Australian native wildlife, Currumbin Sanctuary is a popular Gold Coast attraction allowing you to feed colourful lorikeets, have your photo taken with a koala, walk with the kangaroos or get up close and personal with wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils and even fresh water crocodiles!
Events
Its reputation for fun in the sun and glittering nightlife see the Gold Coast play host to a number of events throughout the year including a celebrity-packed golf Tournament, Magic Millions horse-racing carnival, Honda Indy 300, Australian Surf Life Saving Titles, JAL Marathon and Billabong Pro surf carnival. More Info on Gold Coast Events
Gold Coast Beaches
One of the Gold Coast's most popular attractions, the stunning beaches of Surfers Paradise, Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads and Mermaid Beach offer golden sand, calm blue waters and endless sunshine ideal for working on your tan. The clean, uncrowded beaches are ideal for a morning walk or sunset stroll and provide the ideal backdrop for a relaxing break. Surfers Paradise beaches in particular are famous for their fantastic surf and combine that with an exciting range of attractions and international standard accommodation and you've got one of the most popular holiday destinations in Queensland.
Golf Courses
The Gold Coast is home to 40 golf courses, earning it the title of Australia's 'Golf Coast'. The wonderful weather, stunning beach and mountain backdrop and diverse range of courses and skill levels position the Gold Coast's championship courses as some of the best in the world.
Gold Coast Hinterland
Surprisingly close the golden beaches of the Gold Coast, the hinterland unfolds to reveal a hidden treasure trove of mountain villages and tropical rainforests. With much of the hinterland declared National Park, you can experience the beauty firsthand along a number of walking tracks including Borders Rangers, Witches Falls and the National Parks of Lamington, Nightcap, Mt Warning and Springbrook. Each feature maps to guide you and are designed for all fitness levels. There are also day tours available through the rainforest and to natural swimming holes.
The Star Gold Coast
Reminiscent of the bright lights of Las Vegas, The Star Gold Coast offers fantastic live shows, a number of bars, themed restaurants, two floors of gaming tables and a high rollers room and is open 24 hours.
Nightlife
Surfers Paradise is the main nightlife hub of the Gold Coast and is home to a wide range of bars, restaurants and nightclubs including Cocktails and Dreams, Shooters Saloon Bar, the Hard Rock Café and Melbas. Orchid Avenue also features alfresco dining options while Broadbeach and Coolangatta are also home to a handful of nightclubs.
Sanctuary Cove
Home to the luxurious Hyatt Resort, Sanctuary Cove is a high end holiday destination featuring a lovely waterfront Marina Village, designer boutiques, fine dining experiences and two championship golf courses - the pubic Palms course and the private Pines course.
Shopping & Markets
Home to the biggest markets in the southern hemisphere, the Carrara Markets are one of many of the Gold Coast's excellent range of markets as well as the Surfers Paradise beachfront markets and the local markets of Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads, Canungra, Jimboomba, Broadbeach and Mount Tambourine. The Gold Coast is also home to an outstanding range of shopping including Pacific Fair, one of the largest shopping centres in Australia, Marina Mirage, Marine Village Sanctuary Cove, Surfers Paradise and Robina Town Centre.
South Stradbroke Island
The ideal day trip, South Stradbroke Island is just a short ferry ride from the Runaway Bay Marina, located 20 minutes north of Surfers Paradise. Offering some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches, the island offers a wonderful range of water sports and guided environmental tours.
Theatre Restaurants
An entertaining way to enjoy your evening meal and into the night, Dracula's Cabaret Restaurant at Broadbeach offers dinner and a show. Winner of the Excellence in Entertainment Award, the show combines comedy with outstanding performances and fantastic music. Crazies Comedy Box is also an amusing way to spend the night and is also located in Broadbeach, behind the casino.
Theme Parks
Australia's theme park capital, the Gold Coast is home to 11 themed fun parks including the southern hemisphere's largest theme park, Dreamworld. There's also Warner Brothers Movie World known as Hollywood on the Gold Coast, the speed water slides of Wet n Wild, friendly marine life at Sea World and a number of smaller attractions including Ripley's Believe it or Not!, Frozen World, Cable Ski World, putt putt mini golf, go karting and a number of amusement arcades. More Info
Wineries
Located in the scenic hinterlands, most wineries offer tastings and guided tours including Mount Tamborine Winery, Canungra Vineyards and historic Tamborine House at Albert River Wines.